Extraction and Characterization of Nanocellulose from Kenaf Fibre and its Application in Nanocomposite

Tan, Izek Xiang (2020) Extraction and Characterization of Nanocellulose from Kenaf Fibre and its Application in Nanocomposite. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Recently, nanocellulose and its application gain high attention in both research and industrial areas. This is due to its eye-catching properties such as high surface area, rich hydroxyl group for modification, excellent mechanical properties and natural properties with 100% environmental friendliness. The raw material selected is kenaf fibre which is one of the most common material in Malaysia. To obtain nanocellulose from kenaf fibre, delignification is the first step then followed by alkali treatment. For delignification, the optimum chemical ratio of NaClO to acetic acid is 12ml: 6ml. The amount of distilled water required for 5g of kenaf fibre delignification is 80ml. There will be around 4g of product obtained after delignification. SEM results show the reduction in fibre size which indicated the effectiveness of extraction of cellulose from kenaf fibre. The next process is acid hydrolysis. The optimum process parameter for acid hydrolysis is hydrolysed at temperature of 35ᵒC with the aid of magnetic stirring at fixed rate of 700rpm for 45 minutes. After acid hydrolysis, there will be 1g of nanocellulose crystals (NCC) obtained from 10g of kenaf fibre. Centrifugal process is used to neutralise the acid hydrolysed NCC. FTIR results show the lignin or hemicellulose content is fully eliminated. SEM results show the size of NCC obtained. TGA results show that lignin and hemicellulose no longer exist in NCC derived from kenaf fibre. Zeta potential particle size test compare the results of NCC commercial and NCC derived from kenaf fibre. Hence, it shows similar result. NCC-ABS polymer composite is prepared to test the mechanical properties. Tensile test is performed on pure ABS, 1%NCC99%ABS and 3%NCC99%ABS samples. 1%NCC99%ABS shows improvement in ultimate tensile strength.